Share

Plans for the restaurateur's first Boston project, which were put on ice last summer after an intense real-estate search fizzled out, are now back on, and in a really big way: Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich will open Babbo Pizzeria at Fan Pier. A wood-burning oven will be central to the waterfront space, formerly given the working name of Babbo Pizzeria e Enoteca, and it'll be a walloping 8,700 square feet. That includes a cocktail bar, an antipasti bar, and a bar for pizza, not to mention a jumbo patio and a separate private dining space. The Boston Globe says construction is expected to commence within the next few weeks, and the restaurateurs will target a year-end opening date. So great news, Boston, it's time to start getting excited. Or as Batali himself said it earlier: "Wheeeeeeeeee!" [Boston Globe, Related]